The American national
flag has come through an eventful course of changes. The flag which we see these days has been effective since July 4, 1960. This was following the inclusion of Hawaii in the United States of America. However, this flag featuring 50 stars on a canton against the background of 13 stripes - 7 red and 6 white - has been evolved through a long
course of time.

From 14, 1777, the day the Stars and
Stripes, had received the approval of the Continental Congress till the June
14, 1960, there had been some 27 changes in the face of the flag. Out of
these 25 were due to the difference in the number of stars alone. In fact, with each state being annexed to the Union, the number of stars in the flag had to be changed.
Click here to look back to
some of those lost faces of our National Flag.

Quite interestingly, the history of observance of the National Flag Day is
no less a lengthy process. From June 14, 1877, the day when the Congress
observed the centennial of the birth of the national flag, till August 3,
1949, when President Truman designated the National Flag Day. There has been
a sustained effort by individuals as well as organizations to promote the
observance of the Day.
Click here to know how it all happened.

And also take a plunge into the history to know about the way the glorious
Stars and Stripes fueled the inspiration of Dr. Francis Scott Keys to
compose our national anthem the all time glorious
"Star Spangled Banner"